Finally, the government has approved the export of hilsa to India. Commerce Ministry has issued an order in this regard on Saturday. It has been said that on the occasion of the upcoming Durga Puja, the export of 3 thousand tons of hilsa has been approved subject to the fulfillment of the prescribed conditions in view of the application of the country’s exporters.
Social media, especially Facebook, has been abuzz for some time now with the export of hilsa to India. There have been many news about this in the media of both countries. Politically and diplomatically, the issue became so important that the famous magazine ‘Economist’ published the original report on ‘Hilsha and Bangladesh-India Relations’ in their last September 14 issue.
Like every year around Durga Puja, Calcutta Fish Importers Association sent a letter on September 11 asking to import hilsa from Bangladesh. According to the letter to the Indian businessmen, hilsa has been exported from Bangladesh to India for five years only during Durga Puja. Considering the overall situation, Indian businessmen want the opportunity to import hilsa from Bangladesh.
According to sources from the Ministry of Commerce, during the last five years during Puja, two to three thousand tons of hilsa are usually allowed to be exported. But every year the export is about half of the approval. Because, despite the approval, the Ministry of Commerce gives less time for export.
Recently there was a discussion on social media about the export of hilsa to India around a statement made by Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhtar after taking charge of the interim government. On August 11, Farida Akhtar, in response to a question from journalists at the secretariat, said that the hilsa will be exported abroad after meeting the needs of the people of the country. The advisor also commented that the price of hilsa will decrease. However, the price of hilsa in the market has not decreased. Currently, the price of hilsa weighing one kg or a little more is Tk 1,500 to Tk 1,800.
Commerce Secretary Salim Uddin was contacted to find out the context in which the government has allowed the export of hilsa, but he was not available. When contacted, Fisheries and Livestock Advisor Farida Akhtar sent an SMS saying that she is in a meeting.
However, a source in the Ministry of Commerce said that the decision to export hilsa was made after discussing with the high level of the government, including the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock.